The Difference Between VRV and VRF Aircon Systems

It’s not uncommon for people to question
the difference between VRV and VRF Aircon Systems. But fret not, we’re here to
clear the confusion.

To start off, VRV and VRF air con
systems are technically the same. However, Daikin has copyright the term VRV,
while other aircon brands use VRF to refer to their own HVAC systems.

Daikin’s
VRV
(Variable Refrigerant Volume) systems first emerged in the 1980, pioneering one
of the first HVAC systems. As most brands refer to it as VRF (Variable
Refrigerant Flow), the term caught on and became more popularly known compare
to VRV.

WHAT
EXACTLY ARE VRV AND VRF SYSTEMS?

Now that you know that VRV and VRF are
essentially the same, it’s time to learn more about its technicalities. Here
are some of the principles of this system:

In
this kind of air conditioning system, the only coolant material is the
refrigerant. As such, the refrigerant will the only one responsible for
cooling the water circulated throughout the entire system.

It
will have inverter compressors, which allow lower power consumption.

There
will be several air handling units connected to the same refrigerant
circuit.

HOW
DOES IT WORK?

The logic behind the operation of VRV
and VRF systems largely depends on the manufactured and is usually not
disclosed. However, in such systems, the input will be influence by the outside
temperature of the surroundings as well as given by the user depending on
his/her desired temperature. The system then receives the data, after which its
logic is implement in order to provide the most suitable temperature for the
area while ensuring optimal power consumption.

Let’s
see how a typical VRV and VRF system worked:

Initially, the system will be in
standstill condition, which means that everything is turned off. Once the user
turn on one of the indoor units, the VRV or VRF system then starts working.

The VRV or VRF air con system will then
examine the outside temperature and that of the room. Accordingly, the
compressor will start operating to match the indoor requirement.

The process then automatically repeated
itself when another indoor unit is switched on. As additional indoor units are
used, the power consumption regulates itself accordingly depending on the
demand.

Users can then achieve their desired
comfort conditions by adjusting the fan speed, temperature, operating state,
and of course, operating mode. Unliked centralized
VAV (variable air volume) system, the temperature in VRV and VRF air cooling systems can be
modified in each individual room.

BENEFITS

With
a VRV and VRF system, the temperature of the room will be automatic determined
by the system itself. Air con connected to such systems will then provide
suitable temperatures to give the comfortable environment.

VRV
and VRF systems will be most useful in places experienced constant change in
temperatures and weather conditions. While there are controls to adjust
temperatures, it does not need to be frequently changed by users.

As
the compressor’s output is based on the outside atmosphere, it is considered to
be very energy and cost efficient. With its automatic feature and control
option that adjust power consumption, you’ll be able to save on your electric
bill.

With its energy and cost efficiency, VRV
and VRF systems are most used in commercial and industrial areas.

Looking to installed Daikin commercial
VRV system or a VRF system at your office? Letscool
Aircon Servicing Singapore offers the best commercial and industrial aircon
servicing in the country. From commercial installations such as a
Daikin’s ceiling cassette aircon or aircon
repair work, our team of dedicate technicians is highly equipped with
skills to carry out any kind of aircon service.